Quilters Thread

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Our good weather held up yesterday - just a perfect day - high 70s, no clouds, warm sun - slight breeze. I sat outside for quite a while and just reveled in the beautiful weather - reading my book and enjoying the abundant foliage of the trees all around us. Today, it's still warm - but not sunny. Hope the sun breaks through later today - as it usually does.

Your Moda quilt blocks look just beautiful in their setting - I'm sure it will be a stunning quilt when you're finished with it.

Sounds like you're picking up where you left off with your quilting projects. Wish I could say the same. I seem to be bogged down and haven't progressed much with finishing the center appliqué block of the Magic quilt.

I'll be picking up a grocery order very soon and putting it away will take up most of my afternoon.

Our trip to Seattle to take our DD to her epidural appointment on Thursday turned out very well. First, she endured the procedure well and is encouraged that it will help her - but it takes several weeks before the full benefits of the cortisone becomes evident. While we waited for her - it took over an hour before we could pick her up - we drove to the campus of my college alma mater, not far from the hospital - where we parked in a visitor parking lot in the shade - and got out and walked along a trail to the chapel area and back. The grounds were lush with greenery - and some students were out sitting on the lawns - it was final exam week for the spring quarter - so no crowds of people anywhere around. I enjoyed the respite so much and enjoyed a sandwich for my lunch, which we picked up at an eatery near campus. Afterwards, we took DD to her home and returned to our home without any problems.

I'm glad to hear that you got out to have lunch with your DB and DSIL today. It's always a happy occasion to be able to gather with family.

Stay well and cool

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad to hear you are still having nice weather. It's warm here but sunny.

That sounds like a nice outing your had on Thursday. I'm glad you and your DH were able to enjoy a walk and lunch

Thanks for your kind words on my quilt top. It's fun to see it start to come together after months of making blocks.

Today I was able to get the tree trunks and the house tops made for the Temperature quilt. I just need to sew together the first week of June's triangles and start that month.

Take care

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today and having good weather. It's around 80 here and sunny.

I did some house cleaning today but I'm waiting a few more weeks before I use the vacuum, just to be sure I've healed up inside. It's a heavy vacuum that pulls me, so I don't want to use it yet.

I also pieced the triangles for the first 6 days of June. They are all orange for temperatures in the 80s. It looks like most of the month will be in the 80s, so there will be a lot of orange

Then while I had my iron out I decided to prepare the fabrics for my floating star blocks for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge. I have them all cut and ready to piece, so I guess that's my next project. Then I'll get the other Rainbow Scrap Challenge blocks made after that.

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: It was another nice day out here yesterday - but not too hot - just into the low to mid 70s. It cooled down last night and it was good sleeping weather. Today, it's still sunny but a bit cooler yet - as each day will continue to be - not hot - not cold - mostly sunny, maybe some rain toward the end of the week.

It's actually dried out to the point that I'll have to water my roses and some of the flower beds today. Our plantings out here are so used to frequent rain showers that when the rain stops for a while, the plants are just screaming for "w a t e r!"

Not much progress on my quilt - but I'm working on it today. Yesterday was clean-up for trash pickup today. And I watched the baseball game - our Seattle Ms finally beat the Kansas City Royals, 1 game out of 3. Today, they're back home.

And I cooked a chicken dinner with roasted veggies and our first of the season, corn on the cob.

Glad to hear you're making such good progress on your quilts. You're a role model for me to get back into action. Thank you. Be careful with pushing around vacuums - they really can hurt your back, especially.

Take care and stay cool.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad to hear you have had some more nice weather. It's cooler here today, in the 70s I think. I have to take the trash container out later, so I'll see how it feels.

Sounds like things are busy for you, it's amazing how many little things there are for us to do each day, isn't it?

I finish making 4 floating stars quilt for my Rainbow Scrap Challenge and I'm done with those for the year. I have 16 blocks and I just need to figure out the layout.

I was being very motivated this morning and then I got interrupted by a phone call and that pretty much finished it for me. Hopefully I'll get some time this week to work on the other monthly blocks.

Hope you can get back to your quilt too. Take care

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today and having nice weather. It's still in the high 70s here before all the heat we are supposed to get later this week.

I went out and ran some errands this morning and then went up to the house (the one I can't get sold ) to check on it. Everything was O.K. I sprayed some more round-up on the weeds coming up through the cracks in the driveway and scheduled another grass mowing.

I haven't talked about the house sale much because there are some things going on with some possible solutions to the problems I'm having with the vacant land. I'm hoping soon that I can get those things worked out and see a way forward for the sale of the house and disposal of the land.

So I haven't done any quilting today. Maybe I can pick some more Rainbow Scrap Challenge fabrics so I can get the rest of those blocks put together.

Here's this week's Moda blockheads block, it's a nice easy one:

modafabrics.com/inspiration-resources/bh5-group-2-block-24-linzee-kull-mccray

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ! It's been a cooler day - but not too cool - in the mid to upper 60s. It got down close to the 40s last night. But we've had a lot of sunny moments, no rain, and a breeze blowing. So, can't complain too much.

But it's not inviting enough for me to go outside and do any pottering around my empty flower pots though. 

I have been in the sewing room instead and got the middle lotus block finalized - added a couple more leaf fronds to fill out the space. So, I studied AND studied a diagram I made of the block - and decided I needed to trim it down before I added the black sashing. I did that - added sashing on 2 sides - and then- AND ONLY THEN - did I realize I had neglected to factor in the seam allowances - and so the block was too short on the sides! So, I picked apart the 2 sashes I had sewn. And I'll cut more black fabric with wider dimensions to add for the mistake I made in my calculations. Dumb - dumb!!

Otherwise, all is calm - except the breeze - fluttering the bamboo shades back and forth - our DD made it to work and back - first time she's driven that far. She's tired and wished she could have gotten her leg "up" while on her break. 

Oh - I forgot about the sad news we received last night that a long-time friend of ours had passed away. The son texted me and I told him that we'd make every effort to attend a memorial service - to let us know. We knew that this man was pretty ill and was in a nursing home - but it was still a shock. I had some teary moments as DH and I reminisced together about this gentle soul, who was so talented and kind to all.

I like that latest block - it's really cute with that fabric too.

I sure hope that you get something arranged for getting your property ready for sale. I'm so sorry it's so much stress for you.

One day at a time - 

[cj59]

Hi busybee - I'm glad your weather is pretty nice. It's in the 80s here today and after this it looks like 90 degree weather for a week I'm so glad I don't have to deal with the window AC units this year.

Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, I hoe you'll be able to go to the memorial service. It's tough losing so many people as we get older

I make those same kind of mistakes that you did, they are so frustrating especially when we think we have everything worked out correctly.

Thanks for your kind words about the stress I have for my home sale. Once again I sent out an email to two people and they haven't responded at all. One other person I emailed answered back but didn't really answer my questions and just referred me to someone else. I'm just tired of it all.

I finished all my blue blocks for this month's Rainbow Scrap Challenge and I've decided to make 4 more star blocks so I'll have 20 blocks and can lay them out 4 across and 5 down. I already have all the fabric cut so I just need to make them. I also made the Moda Blockheads block too.

I'm going to clean out my machine today and put a new needle in and put in a new rotary blade. I used to be good about doing that each month, but I haven't been sewing as much so maybe it doesn't matter.

I have a zucchini that I'm going to roast today. I just tried doing that recently and enjoyed it, so I've been picking up a few when I go to the grocery store. I managed to stay out of the grocery store this week, which was my goal. I have enough food in the house and I really need to get my monthly grocery bill down, some months it really too high for just one person.

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Today's weather is about the same as yesterday - not quite 70 yet -  but a good breeze blowing and not inviting enough for me to go outside unnecessarily. And today is supposed to be the best day before the storms blow in over the next several days.

But I've been working on the quilt - after my big mistake yesterday, I'll be cutting more black sashing strips today and try to begin the zigzagging of the lotus leaves. I've been researching what kind of stabilizer to use and I've decided that just plain lightweight sewable stabilizer will work fine, which I have on hand. And I won't need to tear it away after I finish the zigzagging. It's lightweight enough that I won't interfere with machine quilting.

Interesting about your comments and grocery store prices. I feel exactly the same - I can't believe what I'm spending for just 2 people! I don't think we're alone though. But we won't compromise on having a lot of good quality fresh fruit on hand and a variety of protein, including fish, lots of chicken, turkey, occasional pork and "tender" beef.

I often bake zucchini in the oven when I oven roast chicken pieces. I add zucchini, tomatoes, and onions - delicious paired together.

I feel for you and your negative results when trying to contact people who might be of help to you with your property issues. So very frustrating! Can't your attorney do something "for" you, instead of your having to go through this process over and over again.

Stay focused on your quilting projects and try to rise above the problems, if you can.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well. I'd love that 70 degree weather. It's in the 90s here and will be for the whole next week!

I also spend more on groceries than I need to because I'm picky about only buying some brands or types of foods but since it's one of my main expenses I'm O.K. with that.

That attorney I went to back March was worthless - except for the $325 he changed me for a one hour consultation! I'm hoping some things will get decided on how we can proceed since there might be a few options now, but I can't get the house buying company or the new Settlement/Title company to respond to my emails. It's the same thing that happened a few months ago. I'll start calling Monday morning and bugging them, and maybe they'll eventually talk to me.

I did clean my machine and change the needle and rotary blade and I decided to make 4 more of the floating star blocks and that was 20 blocks and I finished sewing the quilt top together yesterday. I just want to put a small border on it. I'm really happy with how this came out, I'll post a picture once the border is on.

I went out today with my DB and DSIL to the cemetery to put out flowers for my father and brother. Then we stopped by a farm market and picked up some fresh vegetables and I went with them to their local grocery store. We also had some lunch at Wendy's. It was a nice day out with them. We stopped by my house too, since it was on the way to the cemetery and the guys had come and cut the grass, so I was happy to see that.

Take care and have a good weekend

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Well, it's far from 70 today - barely staying above 60 - with cloudy skies and a breeze blowing. No doubt it's the next stormy weather system blowing in from the North Pacific. So, we're hunkered down - as usual - and our furnaces are turned on again.

I've been working on the zigzagging of the lotus appliqué - BUT - my machine is not cooperating. For a while, I was zipping right along with the zigzagging going smoothly. Until - a snag of some kind appeared - and I had to stop - and take out several inches of stitches. That took a while. So, I didn't continue yesterday. But I started today - cleaned out the bobbin area, etc... and put in a new spool of black thread and filled bobbins. But, when I started practicing, I was having the same problem - the bobbin thread was showing on top - and I couldn't get any of the usual settings to correct that problem.

Well, I'm not going to take the machine in to the shop. I'll use the stitch as it is - probably no one else will notice - only if when washing the quilt, the looser threads pull out. It's been a hassle & it's tired me out.

I'm glad you had a nice outing with your family today. A change in our routine is always good for us, I think. 

I'm also wondering, though, why you haven't just gone through a real estate agent to sell your house. We've bought and sold several houses and we've always used an agent. And as to the attorney's fee, it's just about right - about the same as plumbers get around here. We anticipate a hefty fee when our attorney finishes our latest requests for changes. And certainly, dentists get hefty fees too. All professionals are expensive.

I agree that not lowering one's standards as to diet and grocery purchases is wise - especially as we get older.

I'm cooking tonight - salmon and oven-roasted vegetables. I'll chunk up potatoes, onions, red pepper, zucchini and tomatoes - layer them on a big sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil and seasonings and roast at 375 or 400 until done. Delicious!

Glad you're proceeding with all your quilt projects - and that you've almost completed your latest quilt top. That always feels good.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - We have the exact opposite weather here, a heat wave with the AC turned on

Sorry to hear about those problems when you were trying to zigzag that applique. I'm sure it will be fine, but I know it's irritating when things don't work right.

There are several reasons I don't want to use a real estate agent, though I may have to if this other sale doesn't work. Some of the reasons I don't want to put out in public, but one is the mold and termite problems and what it might cost me to fix those if I couldn't find a buyer to take the house with the problems. The other is several out buildings on the property have a lot of stuff in them and I might have to pay to have all that removed where the company buying the house now will take care of all of that.

You are lucky if you haven't tried to sell a with the conditions and location I'm dealing with. The most irritating thing about all of it is that if it wasn't for that small piece of land I'd have had the house sold back in March!

I finished my quilt top with the floating stars that I'd been working on for this year's Rainbow Scrap Challenge. All of the colored fabrics are from my fat quarter stash and I tried to pick those that were softer colors and kind of like 30s fabrics. I'm happy with how it turned out. This was an easy block to put together and I'd make something with it again.

I'm putting a picture of that quilt and this week's Moda quilt too. Hope you get a chance to do some quilting this weekend. Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: It's another colder than normal late Spring Day - just managed to reach 60 in late afternoon. The breeze is an intermittent brisk one - and the sky is dark and gloomy - no doubt, rain is on its way - and thunder and lightning (just heard a big clap). Another day of this - and then better weather is on its way - supposedly!

Your quilt is just lovely - love those varied background colors. You did a great job using them like you did. And the quilt block in red, white & blue is also beautiful - love the polka dot background.

I did try to work on zigzagging the appliqué leaves - BUT - the machine problem reared its ugly head once again. I practiced and practiced and changed the settings slowly. to discern any changes. But to no avail. I left it then. Finally, late last evening, I went back into the sewing room and tried one more thing: changing the thread back to the original thread I had been using - BEFORE - I put in the new spool of thread I got on Amazon - very inexpensive. Guess what? The zigzag pattern worked beautifully - and SO - it was the stupid cheap thread I had ordered. So, I don't have enough of the good thread left - but ordered Aurifil thread this time - 3x as expensive - but I tested some other aurifil I have in different colors and it worked beautifully. I also checked on the internet regarding thread issues, and the consensus is to use the best thread one can afford, as cheaper thread does not pay in the long run. LESSON LEARNED.

I'm getting ready for a visit from our son tomorrow - Father's Day - but it's also our anniversary and I told both of them that I didn't want to be left alone on my anniversary - as they had planned to go out for a drive and a burger somewhere. They agreed to stay here - and I'm cooking pork in the slow cooker for BBQ pork sandwiches and I'm putting together a pasta and bean salad. So, I won't have to cook tomorrow. Last night, I made a wonderful salmon dinner with all the oven-roasted vegetables - and DH and I decided that would be our celebratory anniversary meal. And we still have some for tonight's meal. We'll add a sports streaming channel for watching our favorite basketball college teams - for our anniversary gift to each other!

I may or may not do more zigzagging today - I had to pick out several attempts to get the stitching done correctly. It was a mess! And all because of the cheap thread!

As far as real estate agents are concerned, we've had to move several times with my DH's job - so we do have lots of experience in that area. Right now, though, since we've been in this house for so many years and all the houses around us have been re-modeled, or updated, or practically torn down and rebuilt anew, our situation will be selling it "as is," as the land value far outweighs the house value. We have a friend, a long-time realtor, who understands out situation and will negotiate the best possible deal for us - or for our heirs. I understand now why your are proceeding as you have been.

I just had a long telephone call, which interrupted my posting, and didn't realize how late it is. No sewing today. 

Enjoy your summer weather - we'll get there eventually.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to you and your DH - Have a wonderful day! Hope you are having a nice day. It's still hot here, sunny and a bit humid.

I'm glad you figured out that the problem was the thread. I think it's interesting how all the different machines react to different threads. I remember when I first learning machine quilting, everyone recommended the threads like Gutterman or Aurifil, etc. I tried them on my machine and they didn't work well at all. The thread that works the best for me is just the basic Coats and Clark thread - I guess my machine just likes that one.

Hope you enjoy seeing your DS today, I'm glad you won't have to spend your anniversary alone.

I made some extra half square triangles when I made the star blocks and I put them together as pinwheel blocks and made a table topper with those. I'd like to get into some project today, but I'm not sure I really feel like it. I guess I'll have to see.

I also ordered some fabric yesterday from Michael's. I've never bought fabric from them, they only sell online around where I live, so I guess I'll see what kind of quality it is. The price was very low. It would just be fabric I'd play around with, not making any kind of fancy quilt.

Take care

[busybee]

P.S. I almost always use Coats & Clark for all my quilt piecing and machine quilting. However, I have branched out with using other threads since C&C threads are not always available in the colors I want - especially when ordering on-line.

But I sure made a mistake with whatever thread it was that I ordered haphazardly most recently. If I had had black C&C, I would have used that.

Thank you for the anniversary greeting. It's 62 years! Wow! We're very lucky to still have each other. "Fingers crossed!"

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today. How is the weather there? It's really hot here, I'm glad I don't have to go out much.

I hope you enjoyed all of your anniversary day yesterday

I had the garage door guy come today to check on my problems, which have gone away now! He said it was likely the sensors and I just needed to keep them lined up and clear of anything, even just some dust.

I tried out a quilt block today that was easy to piece, but it looked bad with the fabrics I chose. This is why I have so many orphan blocks! I'm hoping to get into another project later this week.

Hope you can get to your quilt too. Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Yesterday turned out rather nice - sunny all afternoon - but in the lower 60s. Today, it's cloudy and gloomy again - raining now and still in the low 60s. One of these days, it will stabilize into more normal late Spring weather. But DH and DYS did get outside yesterday, with DS doing some eave-cleaning chores for us. I went out to do a little dead-heading of my geraniums and roses - and picked a lovely Mr. Lincoln deep red rose for our dinner table.

We enjoyed the simple meal I had prepared - all the day before - just had to reheat the BBQ pork before serving. And the pasta salad was chock full of good veggies and beans with a light vinaigrette dressing. We had Sara Lee frozen strawberry cheesecake with strawberries on the side. And DH decanted a lovely old red wine for us to toast our 62 years. DS stayed several hours and we enjoyed having him with us.

Today, I'm at my sewing machine - working on getting the zigzag stitch corrected. I decided I also needed to change the needle from my usual size 14 to an 11, more suited to embroidery/zigzag work. Couldn't find any on hand - except pack after pack of Schmetz size 14. EXCEPT for one pack of Kenmore size 11s, leftover from my former Kenmore machine. Very carefully, I inserted it and tried it out on a trial run on my sampler - and "lo and behold" it worked like a dream So, I'm all set with my thread (what I have left before my new order comes in) and a brand new fresh needle. I also got a pack of stabilizer sheets to back my zigzagging efforts. It's a cut-away type and just what I need.

Always one thing or another for home maintenance - right? Just a constant worry some days. 

Sorry you've got such hot weather back there - while we're in a much cooler zone - but it will change out here too. We're all preparing ourselves for our dry months ahead of us - and the fire danger!

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Sounds like your weather has been more normal, hope you get some pretty clear days soon. It's still pretty hot here.

I'm glad you and your DH had a nice anniversary and that your DS could spend time with you.

I'm glad the needle worked well for you on your machine and I hope you can continue to get the zig zagging done.

The next Moda Blockheads block comes out tomorrow, so hopefully it is one I can do and I might try to get it done tomorrow.

I went out this morning and ran some errands and in the afternoon went with my DB and DSIL to a Super Walmart to do some shopping. I found some items for less than in the grocery stores, so it was a good trip. We also ate lunch out.

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Today was a bit nicer once again - its improving each day in increments - in the mid 60s today but still into the high 40s at night. We had lots of sun and blue skies today - just like we would expect in late Spring.

DH got busy with lots of outdoor chores - fertilizing all the roses, and air-blowing the patios and deck.

I pretty much kept to my sewing room and got my zigzagging strategy all straightened out. I had the new size #11 needle, the good black thread (the Aurifil also arrived today), and my machine settings were ready for the project ahead. I slowly got about 1/4 of the lotus appliqué zigzagged - it's really more of a satin stitch. I found out that bending over the machine to see exactly where I'm proceeding with the stitching on the edge of the fabric is stressful on my neck (and eyes). So, I took a rest and watched the Mariners game with Cleveland at their stadium. We won - both teams are at the head of their division.

I'll work on the appliqué at my own pace each day - it shouldn't take too many more days.

Nice you had an outing with your DB and SIL - and another lunch out! Sounds good to me.

We know that most of the rest of the U.S. are having very hot weather - we're pretty much isolated out here with our colder than normal weather. One thing about Seattleites is that we complain about the cold and the rain - BUT - then we also complain about the heat too. So, we're hard to please!

Glad you found some better prices for your groceries. I'll be putting together another grocery order for pickup on Friday. We're almost entirely out of fresh fruit.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today It's still hot and sunny here, I'm glad I didn't have to go out.

Hope you can continue to make progress on the stitching, I can understand it putting stress on your neck and eyes so breaks are good.

Congratulations on your Mariner's doing well, hope you are enjoying watching the game.

Here's the new Moda Blockheads block, it's really easy this week and I'm so happy with how mine turned out. I'm going to try the pattern with some other fabrics.

modafabrics.com/inspiration-resources/bh5-group-2-block-25-corey-yoder

I'm really itching to make another project, but I can't seem to get myself started. I think I might make 3 of these blocks and make a table runner, that might be fun and easy.

Take care and have a good day

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Today is nicer - at 72 right now - but with a brisk breeze blowing - blue skies and lots of sunshine. We'll continue to have this warmer weather for several days - before it cools down once again. 

I love your Moda block - the colors you picked are striking! I looked up the link and have saved it should I want (or have time to) make that block. Making it into a table runner sounds like a great idea - especially for the 4th of July coming up quickly.

I'll work more on the appliqué today - but we also have de-cluttering to do for the cleaning ladies coming tomorrow. 

I've also been doing a little bit of organizing in my sewing room - which has become a jumble of fabric and thread and all the samplers and devices that I've used for practicing appliqué. Now, how to store it so it's easier to retrieve.

I've also noticed when using the Aurifil thread, a difference in black shades from the first section of appliqué I've completed using another brand of black. The Aurifil "black" is blacker! But - guess what - I am NOT going to pull out the first section - it sort of looks like shading would on a painting I guess - just a grayer shade of black. I've looked it up and lots of information out there on black thread. Though, I have noticed lots of difference in shades of black fabric too.

So, maybe I'll even get outside today for a bit of sun - never know how long the sun will hang around.

Enjoy your day and your projects.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Sounds like a beautiful weather day for you yesterday, it's just hot and sunny here. The only good thing is I don't have to worry about getting the grass cut at my house.

I think you are right that the different shades of thread will look just fine. I think only quilters look that closely at quilts, most other people just look at the quilt as a whole.

I made 3 quilt blocks yesterday using that same Moda Blockheads pattern and I like how they turned out - lots of bright colors. I'm going to sash them and add a few borders and make a table runner.

I went to my house today and everything was alright. I had to take off an old door knob and replace it with a new one because I couldn't find the key for it and I will need that for the house sale. Fortunately I found most of the other keys, just two more I can't find but I'm hoping they'll be alright. I have no idea where my father put those keys I have a bag full of his keys and none of them fit!

Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: Today is H O T - for us - 83 right now - sunny with blue skies - BUT - we have a nice breeze blowing so that's making it feel a little cooler. However, I've only been outside for a few minutes around 1 pm - when it hadn't hit 80 quite yet. It felt good then. We have fans blowing away - but no AC units yet - as this weather is temporary - and cooler temperatures will move in after the weekend.

I finished zigzagging the lotus appliqué yesterday. It went easier for me and I didn't have to strain so hard to see where the needle was going. I re-arranged my many lamps to help me see the edge of the appliqué a bit better. So, now I'm moving on to the next steps - arranging the blocks around the appliqué block and matching up all the many seams. That's not going to be easy either.

I spent some time yesterday de-cluttering and doing laundry - as our cleaners came today. It's all nice and sparkling now - and it feels good to have nicely vacuumed rugs, dusted furniture, scrubbed bathrooms and floors, and a clean kitchen.

Aren't strange keys a puzzle? Sure wish all of us would mark them as to what they open! 

I haven't ventured into my sewing room today - I wrote checks and DH is taking them to the PO. And I have to figure out an easy dinner to fix/cook - as it's too hot for staying in the kitchen too long.

Glad you got more of those blocks finished. They really are cute. Stay cool.

[cj59]

Hi busybee - Hope you are doing well today. I'm glad that your fans were enough to keep you cool. It's really been a blessing for me having AC this year, I can only imagine how hot it would have been at my house during all these 90 degree days.

I'm happy to hear your finished your applique portion of the quilt, I hope the block placement isn't too hard.

Yes, those keys are funny. I'm sure some of them are for things my father had 20 years ago Since I now have each door with at least one lock with a key, I'm not going to worry about the two locks I don't have keys for. I know once the house is sold they'll have to change the locks anyway. And they will probably put on new doors.

I finished piecing a table runner today with the three blocks I made from this week's Moda Blockheads pattern. I also have it ready to machine quilt so I hope I can get that done today and then maybe I can get the binding done this weekend.

I've been looking at other patterns to see what I might want to work on next. And I still have one project from last year I could work on.

Hope you get to do some sewing this weekend too. Take care

[busybee]

Hi CJ: It's H O T - H O T - H O T - at 84 degrees at 5:30 pm PDT out here. Too too hot for us Seattleites! Complain - complain - complain! Well, it's livable in the upstairs family rooms so far - with fans all over the place. It will cool down somewhat tomorrow - maybe not 80 +. But - at least so far - the cold spell is over - and summer has arrived with a vengeance out here.

Today started with a big surprise - a message on my phone from a Croatian cousin who is in Seattle with a tour group that he's organized. He's the youngest son (35) of the Croatian female Cousin (and her DH and family) that I visited the most on my many trips to Croatia. That whole family has been so wonderful to me each and every time I would come. And I made a trip to Croatia in 2016 for this young man's wedding - which lasted a whole day and most of the night - with 2 main meals being served - dancing - music - beautiful environment, etc... His wife's family had the means to finance the extravaganza! What an event it was!

Anyway, he has a short window of time - since his tour group is taking a ship to Alaska - and I'm not sure if he'll have any time when they get back. (He and his wife own the tour company.) So, our DD is picking him up at his Seattle hotel tomorrow to bring him out here for lunch. I'll serve cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, breads, my home-made kifle (from the freezer), and I'm making potato salad right now. It will be wonderful to see him - show him our home and the Eastside. He came to the U.S. with his older brother and Mom and Dad when he was still in grade school. I don't know how much he remembers - though they toured the entire West at that time.

So, I'm getting ready - thank goodness the cleaners were here yesterday. And we're having a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket for dinner. Yay!

So, glad that you've got the A/C to keep you cool during the heat wave you're having. I remember well all the trouble you had with keeping cool in the old house.